Survival - Li'l Rhody Runaround

Alright, alright, alright (my Matthew McConaughey impression) updating the blog
Sorry no pic’s to share – Jana must not like me anymore or I’m too slow and she didn’t want to wait around.

Arrived early to help set-up and everyone was already there. I like the fact that everyone comes out to volunteer for this race. Great to see Tom and Shara, it was also nice to do a recap of Hartford with Shara – remember, Jeff was miserable and wanted to leave so I never got a chance to discuss recap with her.

 

I’m not really a trail runner – running trails as a group is fun but racing trails, not my thing. I never train for it and I have no strategy. I never know how to approach this race other than just surviving.

 

The race starts fast as everyone what’s a good position before they go into the trails. Felt good going into the campground section passing a lot of – what’s that word – frenemies. The first section I know well and it’s not that technical so I was feeling good. I got passed just before the water stop by some young guy so I hung just behind him knowing I would get him on the road section. Turn onto Buckeye and felt like a fish to water – on the road again - passed the young guy like I knew I would. I re-entered the trails again, this is the section that has technical terrain and not my favorite. This is where it becomes survival mode for me as I try to manage the terrain for about a mile and half.

 

Well it happened – as I was skipping, hopping, running, jumping a particular section – I fell, HARD. I did a tumble and hit my face on a small tree. Sorry no improvement to the face this time. I immediately got up and started to run again with leaves clinging to me. No time to dust off – I now got passed by the young guy again who put some distance on me with this spill. He never even ask if I was ok – asshole. Everything felt fine except my nose, felt like I had a good scratch – cool, I got a battle scar mark.

 

At last King Factory – asphalt. Felt strong and pushed hard passing the young guy again at the top of the small hill. The only part of this race I like in rounding the corner by the cedar trees for the finish. I finish with a time of 56:02 – 59 seconds from a PR. I’m sure the fall had something to do with not PR’ing but I don’t go into this with hopes of PR’ing - I just want to survive.

 

After I finish I like to go help Steve S on traffic duty out on the road. This is always fun time seeing and cheering on other runners coming to the finish. This is when I notice a good size bump on my forearm. Nothing major but when helping Jeff with awards I had hard time giving hand shacks – it hurt.

 

When I arrived home I showed Julie the battle scar marks. She told me to go put something on your nose, that’s going to leave a mark. Cool, I want that.

 

Overall great time and great event for WTAC

picture not by Jana Walker :)

 

Hartford 26.2

Official time 3:22:39 (BQ)

 

Went up the night before with Jeff for a boy’s gone wild night with a stack of dollar bills. After we pick up our swag we went out for a nice dinner then back to the hotel for a wild night at the Radisson. Sorry, no pictures but do you remember the movie Bachelor Party with Tom Hanks – that’s all I’ll say (hi Julie). Awoke with just a little hang-over, looked outside and the rain hasn’t started. We went down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast and Jeff trying to get me to eat some bacon and eggs. I settled for some oatmeal, fruit and some coffee instead. Back up to the room to get our gear bags and begin the ½ mile walk to the park for race start. The rain has now started at this point, although it was light and wasn’t a nuisance YET. We meet up with Tom, Shara, her mom & dad and Shara friend from NY (forgot the name). We all had the seeded cards which meant we were able to get up front. That was cool being up front, you could tell everyone in this coral were serious runners. At this point I was very nervous and I just wanted get going.

 

Off we go; about ½ mile in Jeff Vuone comes up behind me and wishes me good luck – he had to start from the back of the pack as he forgot to include qualifying time from a previous race when he registered. Just like I thought I got caught up with the fast pace – 7:06 for first mile. The funny thing was when we hit the first mile marker everyone’s space watch beep around the same time – I would say 60 or so – pretty cool. Settled back for the second mile at 7:15ish pace and I happen to look to my right, it was Shara. We both settled in at a 7:30ish pace at this time running side by side. We happen to see Tom and his entourage multiple times from mile 2 ½ until around mile 5 or 6 – thanks for the support. Just after mile 2 the half marathon participants turn right. At this time the conversation/noise got very quiet as all the runners around all knew what was ahead of us. Began talking with Shara at this time, goofing on other runners, the pace we were running, family........Tom, she did not share any deep dark secrets (I won’t tell Shara).

 

Side by side running a 7:30 pace when we come to mile 14 and Beth is there taking pictures and cheering us on – how cool this was – thanks for the support Beth. This is the part of the course that I was told was boring, and it was. Just after mile 15 the leaders started to pass us. This is where I started to move to the center of the road looking for Jeff. Shara points him out, here he comes. As we exchange hand slaps he asked how are you feeling response good. Guy behind Shara and I says he seems little happy. I responded with he’s not normal. Around mile 16 I stared to move over for some water. At the same time I go get my water the 3:20 pacer guy and his dozen or so runners begin to overtake our space. By the time I get my water and get back to the hunt, I find myself about eight feet behind Shara. We are surrounded by this group, I can’t move, so I hang on for as long as I can. Mile 17 is the cone/barrel turn around point. The contingent of runners slows almost to a walking pace to make the turn. This is not what I wanted to do at this point in the race. I see Shara look over to see where I was. She makes the turn with little effort and takes off like a 5K out and back race – seemed that way. I tried to make a move around the entourage but to no avail. This is where I started to run a 7:35 pace. Shara was pulling away looking strong and I was just trying to hang on. Mile 20 and another Beth sighting – thanks Beth (Little note – Beth is the person who said a marathon is a 20 mile warm up for a 10K race) - How true this is.

 

The one and only concern I had for running a marathon was hitting the wall and how I would conquer/defeat it - this happened around mile 21. I was amazed how all of a sudden I went for from going a 7:35 pace to 8:35 pace just light that. I tried to overcome the problem by changing my stride, drafting, singing a song, dropping my shoulders………….fighting and wrestling the rest of the way. With a ½ mile to go you find yourself on a bridge about to go down into the city for the finish when all of a sudden the 3:25 pace guy comes up next to me. I begin to panic as this is the one person it did not what to see (Boston qualifying time for my age group is 3:25). He mentions that I’m looking strong and that I’m on a 3:20 pace. He lost his entourage and was ahead of his pace. He gives me a fist bump and then slows to find them as I continue into the city all by myself. Yeah, funny thing, no one was around at this point. With the finish line in-site I wanted to finish strong so I tried to pick up the pace. What felt like 7 something until I looked at my watch – 8 pace, where are my legs, what happened, what the hell. Crossed the finish at 3:22:39

 

After I crossed the finish line I began to walk looking lost or maybe disoriented at this point as I forgot where I was going to meet Jeff, Tom and the entourage. Wondering around looking like a lost little kid I happen to see the gang. I gave Shara a hug and congratulated her on a great race and thank her for the company. She ran great from mile 17 on in, nice to be young. Tom and company congratulated me, shacks my hand.

At this point I look up and see Jeff. You should have seen his expression at this time. No words of encouragement just Mike I’m cold and I need to change, let’s go get our gear. Remember he finish ½ hour ago and was cold and wet. I know he was happy for my achievement. As we said a quick good-bye to Tom, Share and everyone Jeff and I walk/wobbled over to get our gear bags. At this point I was shivering, teeth chattering and just wanted to change. You need your bib to get into the food tent – my hands were so cold I had to ask a stranger who was changing with us to take the pins out. I couldn’t do it, it was that cold. We ate, walk over to the area to get Jeff’s age group award (Nice job Jeff) and wobbled back to the hotel for hot shower. I have more little stories to tell but will save them for trail runs this winter, because I love trail runs and winter.

 

Overall I wish it hadn’t rained but I am glad I finally ran a marathon. Now I know what it feels like to hit the wall. My A goal was to qualify for Boston, no B or C goal – it was all or nothing. When I came home my teenage kids who don’t care about me – I’m just a taxi driver to them – were pumped that I qualified for Boston – they do care, sometimes.

 

Thank you Beth, Tom, Shara mom, dad and friend for coming out in the cold wet elements to cheer us on

Thanks everyone that trained with me on many long runs in the summer – Chris, Shara, Tom (when healthy)

Special thanks goes to Jeff who not only ran with me this summer on many of my runs but also coach me along the way

 

In addition, thanks everyone else for providing advice and words of encouragement  

Ok – enough of the sucking-up – enjoy the pic’s below  

Mile 14 with Shara - pic by Beth

Mile 20 - pic by Beth (about to hit the wall)

road trip - pic by Julie

before the race - pic by Tom 

 

 

Oh, Godfather

Ok, ok – haven’t blog in a long time
Let me catch up

June - blah, blah, blah……..

July - blah, blah, blah……..
August - blah, blah, blah……..
September - blah, blah, blah……..

Current day:

This weekend it will be three weeks until Hartford Marathon. I’ve been averaging 50+ miles a week since late July. I have had plenty of long runs of 20 miles and a high of 21 miles. Some of these long runs were with a group and two were alone – alone sucks like winter. I have discussed running this Marathon with everyone that will listen – especially runners who have run Marathons before – looking for all kinds of advice. I have no idea what my body is going to do after 21 miles. I don’t want to go out hard and hit the wall around 18. I want to run a smart race – can you run smart? Remember, I went to Chariho, I have to use spell check writing this.

Summarizing – I’m turning into a basket case. The anxiety is getting to be overwhelming as I’m thinking about this race all the time – even in my sleep.  What to eat, what about the weather, what should I wear (I know Muddy, cloths). What pace to run, What if it’s windy…………………Some of these things or concerns are out of my control – that I know.

 

Oh, Godfather, I don't know what to do. I don't know what to do. ...

 

 

Wait – I’m doing this Marathon training for nothing ????

https://screen.yahoo.com/videos-for-you/mile-marathon-181704380.html?vp=1

Is the Mile the New Marathon – clink on link above

 

It’s official

It’s official – sign up for Hartford MARATHON October 11th

Happy 50th Birthday Jeff

Memorial Day Weekend

Saturday 14

Group run with FiveK, Jeff and Muddy in Woody Hills. We started out from FiveK house and trek into Woody Hill were Jeff showed us new trails. He kept asking Muddy if he ever did this trail or that trail. FiveK responds “how come you never asked if Boumenot and I ever did those trails” – I think you all know why. We ran into the president of the Westerly Land Trust who was walking her dogs – nice person. Jeff showed us couple of old wells, grave stones and new trails. We even found a grave stone that had a new American flag on it – for Memorial Day. It had to be from the Civil War era as FiveK and I tried to determine the date. I should have asked Jeff, I bet he knew this person. I got clothlined by a briar the provided me with two scratches across the neck (sorry Beth no pics – trust me they are big scratches). Told Julie they were from a cougher (older women) not the real cougher animal. She didn’t buy it – she thinks we are all nuts. Good run and conversation. Very cool place in Woody Hill, the more I run in there the more I like it.

Sunday - 0 rest day / yard work and clean the cars

Monday (Memorial Day) – group RIDE 30+ and 5K race

Group ride with Jeff, FiveK, Chris and new guy Dave. Dave is friend of mine who is a Caption in the Navy at the Groton sub base and avid biker. He tried to get his group of buds out to join our little group but they are not early birds. They start around 7-ish. Ride started from the Y going up route 91 to Chariho into Hope Valley. Up Route 138 to Canonchet Road. Canonchet Road was mostly downhill covered with trees – felt like you were in a tunnel. This road has little turns and with no traffic we were able to cut the corners and just tuck and go – fun stuff. Back onto route 3 into Ashaway which included the biggest climb of the day. Struggled on this climb but good workout. We took a detour to ride past Muddy house and the famous Juniper Drive. It started to rain little at this point so we decided to stop at DD in Ashaway. Since I invited the new guy (Dave) and seeing he is current veteran I figured I would by the coffee - my patriotic duty. Ok, when biking you travel light so I did not take my wallet. SO, everyone gets a small drink except the old guy who gets a LARGE and mentions I might have to do the dishes in the back – figures - FiveK had my back, thanks Tom – luckily I had enough. We stayed at DD until the rain stop enjoying good conversations. Back out on route 3 for ride back into Westerly. Never bike when the roads are wet. I got just behind Dave wheel – not a good thing, I quickly got out and to the side. One final tuck and go down Oak Street and back to the Y. Rode with Dave back to almost his house – he really enjoyed biking with the group and wants to go again. Dave wants to get his group to come along next time. He’s a good rider especially on the hills. Fun time

When I arrived at home from the ride just after 9-ish Julie asked me if I would pick up Conor from lacrosse practice. What I’m I going to say NO – yeah right, I was just out for three hours with the guys. So I had some time to kill. I decided I would run the Mystic Bearathon 5K race – this race supports the local high school (where FiveK works). Started at 10 so I jumped in the truck ate a granola bar and drank a soda. Arrived in time to register and I go grab my money from my wallet and for just a moment I had that – not enough money moment – not again (no Five5 to back me up). It was just a moment, all good. I had very little time to warm up and my legs were still in bike mode. I wasn’t sure what I was going out for a time. I just wanted my running legs. The race started with the kids all taken off like it was only a mile race. The weather was overcast until the start were the sun all of sudden decided to show. It got very humid and the field started to pan out by mile 1. I ran a 6:15 for the first mile – little quicker than I thought seeing I was still looking for my running legs. Fun seeing all the high school kids working the course and cheering everyone on. Mile 2 was a 6:30 pace with a hill coming up – still no running legs and I wish I had sun glasses because the sun was now into your eyes. I was with a group of 3 other runners at this time. I knew I was top ten – I did my best Jonny impression pushing the hill the best I could with no running legs. I couldn’t out run one runner but ended up finishing 6^th overall with time of 19:29. Seeing I just bike close to 40 miles – I’ll take it. Never got my running legs back. I will have to do couple of bricks in Junes before the TRI’s and get that feeling back. Maybe a GU on the way over might have help. Pick the kid up just in time. Little soreness later in the day but in a good way.

Tuesday – around 5ish, little easy lunch run

Wednesday – lunch run. See how the legs are for distance
Thursday – hopefully a speed workout and a swim at the Y later in the afternoon
Friday – maybe early morning Barn Island trail run with Jeff. I have a field trip with my daughter to Six Flags so I’m not sure on the details yet. Six Flags with 7 grade screaming girls – aspirin for lunch, nap on the way home.
Saturday – group run at Chris house?? Plus MY BIRTHDAY – I turn 36 J shut-up Jeff
Sunday – group ride and Jeff is buying coffee J

What did you do this weekend ?

Ok, I knew some ran the entire Narragansett trail (Jonny, Muddy & Seth) – how cool is that

Some of us ran the COX ½ marathon – Kudos Beth

 

This is how my weekend went

 

Friday

6 yards of screen loam delivered

Why - Extending my yard because the swing set is gone  

5 yards of mulch delivered (next weekend job)

No run – rest day

 

Saturday (not in any order)

·         Rode 30 miles into Mystic with FiveK and Chris – stopping to have coffee / great time

·         Went to the dump

·         Went to Agway to get seed, lime, fertilizer and straw

·         Spread 6 yards of loam the old fashion way – shovel and wheelbarrow

·         Spread seed, lime, fertilizer and straw

·         Got wet from figuring out the sprinklers

·         Wash my truck

·         Edge the sidewalk, driveway and mulch beds

·         Went to a lacrosse game

·         Cooked on the grill

·         Walk the dog

·         Drake (4) 32oz Gatorades

·         Pooped & peed (making sure you are paying attention)

·         Take a shower – I was ordered to do this

·         Went over to meet my NEW next door neighbors – had on my Schonning 5k shirt – are you a runner? my new neighbor asked. YES, are you?  NO – conversation went back to talking about our dogs

·         Sleep – just a little

 

Sunday (not in any order)

·         Went out for coffee and the Sunday paper

·         Senior moment, according to Jeff - went for a 9 mile run and decided to take right off North Anguilla road and do some trail running ALONE.

·         Cleaned the garage

·         Wash & cleaned the inside of both cars (do this every weekend regardless of the weather – clean car fanatic) anther story for another day

·         Cut the lawn

·         Trim

·         Water the new grass seed – get wet from the sprinklers

·         Put away all my tools

·         Cooked on the grill

·         Drake (2) 32oz Gatorades

·         Cleaned the fish take

·         Take a shower – again ordered to do this

·         Shaved – looked like I had a beard like Jonny did in the winter

·         Went to Dairy Queen – I had to shave & shower first – could not be seen in public according to my daughter who might just run into someone she knows  

·         Watch little TV – feel asleep in the chair

·         Get stuff out for work on Monday

·         Sleep – Just a little

 

Upcoming week

 

·         Attend 3 lacrosse games

·         Vote YES on Stonington budget – welcome Tom

·         Go to middle school for band concert

·         Attend WTAC monthly meeting

·         Run at work – various distances

·         Water new grass seed

 

WOW – wish it was WINTER? NAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH – love this time of year

RISP Foot Pursuit 5K

Arrived about an hour before the start as this race is a heavy participated as 700+. I was surprised how cold it was when I got out of the warm car to go get my race bib. Starting running into WTAC team members – I enjoy the club comradely when we arrive for non WTAC races. We wear our colors well. Steve S bike up from Westerly to run this race – nice job doing the double Steve. He introduce me to someone (sorry forgot the name) as a WTAC member and this person proceeded with the comment – WTAC is a strong team, you guys are doing good things.

Went for a short warm up with Seth in those trails across from the beach. Arrived back at the start with about 15 minutes to go to shed the sweatshirt. Took notice that they hadn’t set up the start yet – this is odd as this is a very well organized race. Finally I see them setting up the starting line – they are assembling the TRIMOM scaffolding start line thingy. In years past we just line up on both lanes of the high way. This scaffolding thingy limits the amount of people that can get up front. If you read the other blogs you will notice all the couch to 5K runners somehow got up front along with kids who think the race is only 100 yards. I felt like a cow being corralled before the slaughter house. Usually someone from the race organization committee will say a few words – like thanking sponsors and what the race is about – supporting a local policeman who was injured running few years ago.....All of a sudden the shotgun goes off – wait, no pre race announcement, we started. Should have warned Shara about shot gun start as this scared the daylights out of her.

So the cattle that corralled begin to move – I was lined up about 10 feet or 10 seconds from the start. I start to make my way weaving in and out of the couch to 5K runners and I happen to see Seth get tripped up with a kid. He was fine as he went on to a PR for a 5K – well done Seth. As the start thins out I came upon a Turtle – Dave Schaad and that noise, oh that noise. The 1 mile marker was dead on with my space watch, 6:00 minute mile for the first mile. Now I start to make my way for the right hand turn onto Boon St. Very small hill as we start on Boon St., I wouldn’t even call it a hill, more like a bump. As I’m starting to make my way on the left side of the road, who is that I happen to see on the sidewalk – The Gazelle. Very cool seeing him out and about as it put a smile on the face as I gave him a hand slap (I was smiling because he wasn’t racing and I had a chance to place in that hard master age group). Jana from Jana Walker Sports Photography had employed him to take pictures. Thanks Jeff for the support. Mile 2 was 6:12 and again right on with the space watch. I was little surprised for my mile 2 time, thought I ran a faster mile. Quick small downhill setting up for the left turn onto Ocean Rd. when all of sudden the head wind hits you in the face. I didn’t really pay attention to the wind when I was warming up – didn’t matter anyway. I was an island all alone, so I had no one to daft. Sucks when racing and being on island alone, it changes how you race. No one to catch because they are way out in front and you can’t feel the hunt behind you. I’ll have to work on this for next time. Another Gazelle sighting on Ocean Rd., couldn’t muster up a smile or words of thanks as the wind was taken my breath away. Mile 3 chimed on the space watch 6:22 mile – wasn’t happy with the last mile effort but ended up 19:08 space watch time – official was 19:17. Good for 17 place, third in that master age group. WTAC took the win for both the girls and guys – Well done EVERYONE.

Jeff from Jana Walker Sports Photography taken the picture

Easter Weekend and rest of week

Saturday 6
Solo group run early Saturday down to the park and back – noting worth sharing. I was not able to join the group up in Richmond as I had family obligations to take care of early.

Sunday 24+ bike ride (Easter)

We (the family) went to Easter mass on Saturday night – kids went to in-laws for Easter breakfast. The morning was free. Time to get the bike out – I wanted to go out early but it was just little chilly. So I waited just after 8 to ride down to Watch Hill, traffic was light. While on Ocean View I happen to pass (coming the other way) on his bike local runner/biker Jeff Vuono – wished him good luck as he will be running the Boston Marathon. I also passed John Hammett who was on his Sunday group run. I decided to turn onto Shore Road and ride down to FiveK house – looking for a coffee break. No luck as he was not home. He was over his parent’s house for breakfast (Text him later that day – that’s how I knew). I knew I should have gone pass his mom and dads – next time have Mary set a plate for me. Now, let’s go see how Jeff is feeling – as I turned into his neighborhood and headed up the hill this Volvo comes over the hill headed right for me. Oh, wait, I’m in the middle of the road. It was Jeff who was itching to get outside. We talked for few minutes on his procedure and recovery – good biking into him. I could tell he was craving to be out and about on the bike or a run. He was going down to the beach for a walk. Now time to go home as I started to feel hungry and the energy level wasn’t there. I used it all up from Watch Hill to FiveK house biking into the wind. As I was coming over the hill on Beach Street I could see a runner just up ahead about in front of Moore Mill. I knew who this was going to be – it was Beth. Slowed up right next to her and ended up scaring her. She was out running again after running 24 miles the day before – unbelievable – you rock girl. We talked for a few going down Elm Street. Wish a happy Easter and off to home I went. Couldn’t believe all the people I ended up seeing on this ride (Jeff V, John H, Jeff W and Beth). In addition, I got two beeps from passing cars – not sure who they were. Was it because I was hogging the road or because of wearing biking shorts.
 
Rest of the week
The usual work lunch runs. Like to try and get in a 7 or 8 mile run along with a speed workout.
Saturday, casual bike as Sunday is Foot Pursuit 5K race

Recap of this weekend

Saturday – 19 miles BIKE
I was about to respond to the group email for Saturday trail run and at the last minute I got a text from Jeff about a group BIKE ride with FiveK, Shara and Jeff.  I’ve been craving to ride my new bike so this was perfect. This was a fun ride – casual at times and competitive at times.  Jeff and FiveK have it good, biking and/or running early morning down in the beach area. The new bike is awesome; just have to get use to the new shifting – different from last bike.

 

Clamdigger 5M (WTAC event)

This was only the second time running this event. Last year I just had surgery on my knee, plus it was only a 5K event. Ended up 7^th overall with a time of 31:52 (6:22 pace) beating my time in 2012 by 1 minute – so I PR. Started fast and got into a groove early setting in (telephone pole length) behind local runner Jeff Vuono. Traffic was light so no issues other than on the way back on Atlantic Avenue. We started to encounter traffic from the walkers. Ok, they are walking and I’m running yet they look at me funny as I’m trying to run a tangent line back – get the hell out of the way - really, I’m running. Started to close in a Jeff V with about ½ mile to go but ran out of time as I finishing just behind him.

 

So after a long cool down run with Chris G, Mike G, and Justin I went to go look at results. 7^th overall first in age group – COOL. Finally, Jeff was not running the race as he was running the event. Now time for awards – Jeff asked me to assist with handing out awards – no problem. He gets on the microphone (his favorite toy) and announces that they don’t have overall winner awards – so we will just give them the age group award. (Reminder Mike G just turned 40 and was the overall winner). WTF, REALLY JEFF – he did it to me again, he’s not running in this race and I still get the second place award – unFing-believable (relax, this is just sarcasm) I don’t care.

 

Special KUDOS to Jeff and Jana Walker – they did a tremendous job putting on this event as we were down three WTAC board members due to travel. Don’t forget this was a duel event with 5K and 5 mile race for the first time, so double the issues and responsibility. Great job Jeff, I have no constructive criticism to give – except for the age group award J

 

We are all going to die

https://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/health-habits-ignore-running-study-shorten-lifespan-160500579.html


Check out this article I just read on line - may have to cut & paste
Bad news for running fanatics: This sport/hobby may end our life early.
A must read for Jonny

My life insurance is up to date so Julie will be happy – I mean all set

Thinking of all of you J

About time

I know – I’m little behind with the blog – you’ll enjoy the end of this one

Saturday 0

My Daughter who turned 13 (going on 21) few weeks back had “girls gone wild” on Friday. This meant having 6 teenage girls sleepover. All the more to go on that WTAC group run, but Julie asked me if I would SHARE the pain with her (her words) on getting the girls up, feed and out the door for 9:00am. This meant I was going to be the bad guy – I love waking up teenagers EARLY in the morning (before noon), really it’s a lot of fun. After everyone went home and we clean-up it starting to rain a little so I went on a little trip to Wakefield, RI (more on this trip later in the blog).

Sunday 6.3

Seeing I was not able to get out on Saturday I decided to run the local roads around my place. I called this run on Strava – Bob Seger as no matter which way I turned I was running with a head wind.

Monday 0

Another zero just after taken a rest day on Saturday. Mondays are getting to be difficult to get out and run. I have multiple global meetings on this day and I don’t have a boss like Jonny. In addition, for some reason I was dead tired. Not from running, just tired from not sleeping. 

Tuesday 7

After another rest day the day before I was looking forward to getting out. I was underdressed for this run but I had no plan on where I was going or a pace I wanted to run. First mile was slow but the next 6 felt great and cruised just under a 7 pace. After catching up on some sleep this run felt good, I felt refreshed, ready for some spring.

Wednesday 5.8

I wanted to do speed work so when I started out I didn’t realize just how wicked windy it was. On the first mile, the warm up mile I was thinking were and what kind of speed work to do. I really like 5K’s 5,4,3,2,1 workout. This gives you 15 minutes of speed, which is almost a 5K race. Compared to doing 400’s, 800’s or 200’s……..I texted 5K later in the day sharing my thoughts on the workout. He mentioned the following - shorter distances do build fast twitch muscle fibers which helps with foot speed. Ok, what do I know, made me feel better as I did 5x500’s and 3x300’s. Some of the laps were into the wind as it was wicked windy Wednesday. Legs felt sore after this workout.

Now for the fun – you’ll enjoy this next part of my Wednesday

I left work hour early to go to Wakefield, RI to pick up my new toy (pic below). Let me say this – I went to three bikes shops – I’ll outline for you on my experience

Mystic – big showroom with lots of choices but would not budge on price

Ray Willis – small with little to no choices although good place for turn-ups

Stedman’s – small with little to no choices BUT hidden in the building are more bikes than appears. Plus the help at this shop is great. The minute I open the door I felt like one of the gang and I’m not a bike geeky guys (at this moment). I recommend this place over any other in the area as they are open, honest and willing to deal. At the end of the visit they kept asking/insisting to come up for group rides.

On the way home I got a phone call from Julie – went something like this:

Hey, did you get your new toy and did everything go ok – Yup, great place good conversation lost track of time. Great can’t wait to see-it (what that means is what did we just waste money on – I can read between the lines) by the way, WE need to go to Home Depot later. Home Depot – why, what just happened. The washer machine finally broke (18yr old machine).

So we go to Home Depot after Julie did some research on-line. We or SHE picks the one that SHE wants. Remember I just got a new toy – I’m agreeing with whatever. As she works out the details with Home Depot person I decide to wonder around. I’m a do-it-yourself person, love walking around Home Depot. I have other hobbies other than running. So when I get back the Home Depot person says we can deliver this on Saturday for you. Julie says great, sooner the better as we have teenagers and tons of laundry.

Now what’s going on in my head at this time – I did not actually say these words (remember I just got a new toy) – Saturday, this is the best you can do. I have a race on Saturday; really, you don’t have this in stock. What I actual said was in the morning or afternoon. They will call the night before and tell us when. I know what you’re thinking (Jeff, Jonny) but I just got a new toy. Although I like going to the dog house, really the dog house can be fun at times as the dog does not talk back and listens to ME – I enjoy dog house time with my best friend but SLEEPING in the dog house sucks. So, game day decision on the race.

the new toy - 2014 Specialized Allez Comp

Ocean Run 1/2 - pre race, race day, race, post race

Pre race - Saturday morning light 5 mile run with Jeff, FiveK and Lulu - perfect morning for a run at the beach - good conversation. First run with Lulu who is not much of talking, she just likes to run. Wow, Tom has a girl who doesn’t like to talk that much – lucky (Hi Julie).

With day light saving Saturday night I figured I would go get my registration/swag early – leaving more time on race day so I wouldn’t have to rush. Text Crutch to see if he was going up early - text back - pick you up around 11:30 – perfect. Nice ride-up along with good conversation. Email later in the day from Jeff on car pooling to the race. Thanks Crutch for driving - FiveK was going up with his OTHER girl.

Race day – we meet at Jeff house for ride up, what a difference in weather from Saturday. We all had our bags filled with all kinds of cold weather gear. My plan was to run in shorts no matter what – just wasn’t sure on the hat/gloves thing.  We arrived in plenty of time and meet Tom and Shara in the parking lot. Crutch deciding he was going to walk down to race start – the rest of us were going to wait for the school bus. We decided to us the bathrooms at the school – doing our impression of Muddy. This was good choice as lines were long at the starting area. Arrived in plenty of time to drop our bags off and go for short cool down. As everyone was lining up for race start – I had to go find a bush around the corner one last time. When I came back to the starting line I was not able to get up close to the front – about 20 feet from the front. I usually like to hang around third row, so first challenge was going to be in the first ½ mile going around people.

Race – Took about 10 seconds to get of the starting line so I could start the space watch. Quick loop around dirt parking lot before we could get out on the road.

1, 2, 3 – familiar with this part of the run from Crabman. Fun passing everyone you recognize as this section has two out and backs. Cone turnaround at one point which I’m not a fan of but this was early in the race so it wasn’t that bad. I ran about a mile with Shara who was completing in her 2^nd ever ½ marathon.

 4, 5, 6 – around the four mile mark I think, Beth was volunteering as a flag person turning the runners to the right and cheering us on – great to see her out there after running 20+ the day before.  After we came out of the neighborhood you have to go up Matunuck Beach Road for a short distance before turning left. This is where the head wind started to pick-up. I tuck in just behind a tall runner – literally just behind him. I look at the space watch and I didn’t like the pace he was going at this point – I wanted to push him. I don’t think he like me drafting because he slowed up a little but I was not leaving me wing man. When we turned left onto Matunuck School House Road there was a water stop – guess who pulled over to get water or to lose me - thanks tall guy.

7,8,9,10 – This section was the lonely section as the field now was spread out and the wind was picking up. Not that bad but just enough to be a jerk. Other than the water stops there were little to no spectators in this section – sucks running alone in a race when you can’t get up to the lead group and no one behind you to push you along. My time in this section was not what I wanted – I was slowing down, wasn’t sure why - all alone with my inner voice. The BEST part of this section was this lone spectator group (not sure where on the course). It was Chris G along with his wife and boy cheering me on with big smiles – I wondered over for a quick slap of the hand and thank him for the support.  This was just what I needed – little encouragement in the lonely section. I started to focus on my pace again and ignore the wind. I reach back for my GU which was a first for me. Couple days before this race I tried GU for the first time – wasn’t pretty. I ended up with GU chewable (another story for another time). All I could think about was how funny it looked like trying to run and chew these GU things. It took about ½ mile for me to finally finish the packet, chocking on one.

11, 12, 13 – Finally the last third of the race, it felt like I was in the Green Hill area forever. Back in the grove again – still alone but I could sense a group coming from the spectators at the water stops encouraging runners on. Turned onto Moonstone Beach Road which is less than 2 miles to go starting to look at the space watch and doing the math – ok, no PR but I know that coming in as I was lacking speed work. Turned left onto Cards Pond road and who do I see taking pic’s – Chris G again with the family. Encouraging me for the last mile – thanks Chris. Turn right onto the field for a strong finish – OMG felt like I was running with no right shoe – up down, up down, up down. Not the best way to finish but the rush kicks in. Space watch was 1:28:43, official time was 1:28:55 – remember the start, 10 seconds behind. Good for 20^th overall 3^rd in that age group with you know who - four more months to go.

Post race – I was supposed to go to a high school lacrosse tournament in Springfield, MA right after the race, but it was cancelled. Thankfully it was cancelled as I enjoyed the post race gathering with everyone.

Nice course, flat only one hill. TRIMOM put on a great race, the course was well marked and she had plenty of volunteers all helpful, respectful and encouraging everyone on.

Chris and family – thanks for the encouragement/support/pic’s, much needed on Matunuck School House Rd

Beth – cool seeing you volunteering, couldn’t wait to get to mile 4ish knowing you were there to cheer

Mike C – nice race, you will get that goal for a ½ later this year no doubt

Seth wife (forgot name, sorry) – nice job on your first ½ - the dog and you need a blog now

FiveK – 4^th place and in the hunt at the end – NICE job. Sometimes I wonder if I slow you down

Shara – you kicked butt for your second ½ - 4^th overall women – Sweet

Seth – awesome PR, job well done

Matthew – nice job on the 5K – I know you will be faster later in the spring and I’m not looking forward to it (that’s a joke – smile)

Jeff – another PR, I knew you were going to run well at this race – great job - fun laugh on the podium